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Indiana Intellectual Property Blog

~ Trademark and Copyright Law Updates in Indiana

Indiana Intellectual Property Blog

Category Archives: Southern District of Indiana

Twisted Tater Food Truck sues Twisted Taters for Trademark Infringement

06 Monday May 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Branding, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Common Law Trademark Infringement, Federal Trademark Infringement, Indiana State Trademark Infringement, James R. Sweeney II, Tim A. Baker, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Unfair Competition, Unfair Use of Trade Name

Both parties in the latest Indiana trademark lawsuit operate food trucks in Indiana. The plaintiff has been operating as Twisted Tater since 2012, selling spiral cut potatoes placed on a skewer and deep fried.

The defendant apparently began operating as Twisted Taters in July 2021, selling “gourmet ribbon fryz.”

Plaintiff’s counsel sent a cease-and-desist letter in October 2023 and, unable to find a suitable resolution, now seek the intervention of the Southern District of Indiana.

The plaintiff received an Indiana state registration for their logo in 2016. They also received an Indiana trademark registration for the word mark TWISTED TATER on April 1, 2024. The plaintiff filed a federal trademark application for TWISTED TATER on March 29, 2024. However, a Google search reveals that there are several “Twisted Taters” in operation across the country, so the plaintiff may have some additional enforcement work and/or opposition defenses before they receive a federal registration. There are also some prior registrations for TWISTER FRIES and TWISTER that may lead to a Section 2(d) “likelihood of confusion” refusal.

Stay tuned for updates.

Peugh et al. v. Nadler et al.

Court Case Number: 1:24-cv-00764-JRS-TAB
File Date: May 3, 2024
Plaintiff: Charlotta Pugh, BCC Concessions, LLC d/b/a Twisted Tater
Plaintiff Counsel: Katie M. Charleston of Katie Charleston Law, PC
Defendant: Adam J. Nadler, Jr., Twisted Taters Food Truck and More, Does 1-10
Cause: Federal Trademark Infringement, Indiana State Trademark Infringement, Common Law Trademark Infringement, Unfair Use of Trade Name, Unfair Competition, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Cybersquatting
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: James R. Sweeney II
Referred To: Tim A. Baker

Complaint:

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“Diamond Tile” Copyright Lawsuit Refiled Against Hong Kong Resident

18 Thursday Apr 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Southern District of Indiana

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Copyright Infringement, James R. Sweeney II, Mario Garcia

This new copyright lawsuit is a refile of the recently-terminated January lawsuit between two Chinese corporations, now also naming an individual defendant living in Hong Kong. The lawsuit involves alleged infringing sales on Amazon.com of a knockoff of plaintiff’s “Diamond Tile,” a square or rectangular wall panel having a three-dimensional design formed by various diamond-like elements.

Guangzhou Shima Decoration Materials Co., Ltd v. Shenzhen Ruimingxiang Technology Co., Ltd. et al.

Court Case Number: 1:24-cv-00644-JRS-MG
File Date: April 11, 2024
Plaintiff: Guangzhou Shima Decoration Materials Co., Ltd
Plaintiff Counsel: Michael A. Swift, Harold C. Moore, Travis W. Baxter of Maginot, Moore & Beck, LLP
Defendant: Shenzhen Ruimingxiang Technology Co., Ltd., Shi Lei
Cause: Copyright Infringement
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: James R. Sweeney II
Referred To: Mario Garcia

Complaint:

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April 2024 Indiana Intellectual Property Litigation Update

15 Monday Apr 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Litigation Update

It has been a mostly quiet month in Indiana IP litigation, with a few dismissals and several judge reassignments. Read on below for updates on all pending Indiana copyright and trademark litigation. Leave a comment about which case(s) you are following most closely.

Forest River, Inc. v. inTech Trailers, Inc. (ND, filed 8/31/2021) –On March 29, 2024, the Plaintiff received a judgment for $2 million, along with a permanent injunction. On April 3, 2024, the Plaintiff filed a Motion for Attorney Fees requesting an additional $1.26 million for attorneys’ fees, $5.56 million for profit disgorgement, and $244,000 in prejudgment interest.

View this document on Scribd

View this document on Scribd

Gabet et al. v. Amazon.com. Inc. et al. (ND, filed 1/20/2022) – Over the last month, the parties made numerous filings pertaining to discovery disputes and attorney fees.

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The Evolutionary Level Above Human, Inc. v. Havel et al (ND, filed 5/18/2022) – On March 21, 2024, Defendant Bartel filed a response to the Court’s Order to Show Cause addressing whether he should be sanctioned for repetitive and baseless motions.

Oakley, Inc. v. Batter’s Box Training, LLC et al (SD, filed 8/11/2022) –  No update this month. The lawsuit is still awaiting the Court’s action on the plaintiff’s Stipulation of Dismissal filed on January 18, 2024.

Honest Abe Roofing franchise, Inc. v. DCH & Associates, LLC et al. (SD, filed 9/7/2022) –  On April 4, 2024, a Closed Final Judgment was entered. The Plaintiff was awarded $186,000 in contractual damages and $84,000 in contractual attorney fees.

The Center for Gestalt Development, Inc. v. Bowman (SD (11/09/2022) – No update this month.

1.4G Holdings, LLC v. North Central Industries, Inc. et al. (SD 1/05/2023) –  No update this month.

Sak Group, Inc. v. Blue Hill Hospitality, Inc. (ND 4/25/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

National College Resources Foundation v. The Strong Friends LLC et al. (ND 5/4/2023) –  On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Cristal C. Brisco for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

Sadowski v. Restoration 1 by J&D, LLC (SD 7/12/2023) –  An initial pretrial conference is scheduled on May 8, 2024.

Nickel and Dimes Incorporated v. Noah’s Arcade LLC et al (ND 7/25/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Cristal C. Brisco for all further proceedings. Judge Damon R. Leichty is no longer assigned to the case.

Hoffman v. Lauth Investigations International Inc. (SD 9/18/2023) – A Joint Stipulation of Dismissal was filed on March 18, 2024 and the case was dismissed by the Court the following day.

Banjo Corporation v. Green Leaf, Inc. (SD 9/29/2023) – A Status Conference was held on March 27, 2024. An in-person settlement conference is scheduled on September 23, 2024.

Perma-Green Supreme, Inc. v. Dr. Permagreen, LLC et al. (ND 10/06/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

Secada Medical LLC d/b/a Ventris Medical, LLC v. Nexxt Spine, LLC (SD 11/01/2023) – A Joint Stipulation of Dismissal was filed on March 22, 2024 and the case was dismissed by the Court on March 25, 2024.

Radic v. AllCity Adjusting LLC et al (ND 11/03/2023) –  A Notice of Settlement was filed on April 9, 2024. The Court has ordered the filing of dismissal papers by May 10, 2024.

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. et al. v. Luxury Mattress & Furniture, LLC (ND 11/09/2023) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Philip P. Simon is no longer assigned to the case.

Stross v. Homestead Properties, Inc. (SD 11/09/2023) – The Court has ordered the Plaintiff to refile its two prior-filed Motions to Dismiss as a single motion, which the Plaintiff did on April 5, 2024.

Guangzhou Shima Decoration Materials Co., Ltd v. Shenzhen Ruimingxiang Technology Co., Ltd. (SD 1/08/2024) – A Notice of Voluntary Dismissal was filed by the Plaintiff on April 11, 2024 and the case was terminated.

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. et al v. CNB Retailers, LLC et al. (ND 2/08/2024) – On March 25, 2024, the case was reassigned to Judge Gretchen S. Lund for all further proceedings. Judge Damon R. Leichty is no longer assigned to the case.

Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC et al v. Blu Moo Ice Cream Inc. et al. (SD 2/14/2024) – The Defendants failed to appear at an Status Conference on April 12, 2024. The Defendants have been ordered to show good cause for their failure to appear by April 22, 2024.

Sadowski v. Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC d/b/a WISH-TV (SD 2/21/2024) – An initial pretrial conference is scheduled on May 8, 2024.

Valcrum, LLC v. Dexter Axle Company, LLC (SD 3/1/2024) – The Defendant’s time to answer has been extended by agreed notice to April 22, 2024. G. Thomas Williams III has appeared pro hac vice on behalf of the Defendant.

Rigsby v. All Seasons Roofing (ND 3/14/2024) – No update yet.

Optical Tactics, LLC d/b/a Fort Wayne Printing Company v. Allen & Goes Marketing Company (ND 3/29/2024) – No update yet.

March 2024 Updates – February 2024 Updates – January 2024 Updates

December 2023 Updates – December 2022 Updates –  December 2021 Updates

March 2024 Indiana Intellectual Property Litigation Update

15 Friday Mar 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, Trademark

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Litigation Update

This month’s Indiana IP litigation updates are dedicated to John Brannon, a legend of the Indiana IP community, who was laid to rest today. RIP John.

Read on below for updates on all pending Indiana copyright and trademark litigation. Leave a comment about which case(s) you are following most closely.

Noble Roman’s, Inc. v. AMI Stores Management, Inc. et al. (SD, filed 6/6/2021) – The lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice on February 16, 2024.

Forest River, Inc. v. inTech Trailers, Inc. (ND, filed 8/31/2021) – A 5-day jury trial was held from February 28, 2024 to March 4, 2024. The jury issued a verdict in favor of the plaintiff on March 5, 2024, finding that there was willful infringement and that the defendant had profits of $2,000,000 from the infringement.

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Gabet et al. v. Amazon.com. Inc. et al. (ND, filed 1/20/2022) – Amazon is apparently getting fed up with this lawsuit and has gone on the offensive, seeking to recover around $16,000 in fees from opposing a prior motion, and a motion for sanctions against the plaintiff’s attorney based on a discovery dispute. A discovery conference was held on March 5, 2024, where they presumably were able to address and hopefully resolve the dispute.

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View this document on Scribd

The Evolutionary Level Above Human, Inc. v. Havel et al (ND, filed 5/18/2022) – On February 21, 2024 and February 27, 2024, the Court ruled on several pending motions. Defendant Bartel must file a written response by March 22, 2024, explaining why he should not be sanctioned to pay Plaintiff’s costs and attorneys’ fees and/or be restricted in his ability to file any further motions in this case without first seeking leave of court. Defendant Havel has been ordered to confer with the plaintiff’s counsel to resolve a discovery dispute prior to March 31, 2024.

Oakley, Inc. v. Batter’s Box Training, LLC et al (SD, filed 8/11/2022) –  No update this month. The lawsuit is still awaiting the Court’s action on the plaintiff’s Stipulation of Dismissal filed on January 18, 2024.

Honest Abe Roofing franchise, Inc. v. DCH & Associates, LLC et al. (SD, filed 9/7/2022) –  No update this month.

The Center for Gestalt Development, Inc. v. Bowman (SD (11/09/2022) – No update this month.  

1.4G Holdings, LLC v. North Central Industries, Inc. et al. (SD 1/05/2023) –  The Court has ordered the filing of dismissal documents by May 10, 2024.

Sak Group, Inc. v. Blue Hill Hospitality, Inc. (ND 4/25/2023) – No update this month.

National College Resources Foundation v. The Strong Friends LLC et al. (ND 5/4/2023) –  No update this month.

Sadowski v. Restoration 1 by J&D, LLC (SD 7/12/2023) –  The plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint on February 21, 2024. Defendant filed a notice of extension of time until March 22, 2024 to respond to the Amended Complaint.

View this document on Scribd

Nickel and Dimes Incorporated v. Noah’s Arcade LLC et al (ND 7/25/2023) – A Joint Motion for Protective Order was filed on March 13, 2024. No other updates this month.

Hoffman v. Lauth Investigations International Inc. (SD 9/18/2023) – The Court has received notice of settlement and ordered the filing of dismissal papers by April 27, 2024. The settlement conference scheduled for April 10, 2024 has been vacated.

Banjo Corporation v. Green Leaf, Inc. (SD 9/29/2023) – Donald G. Orzeske has entered an appearance on behalf of the defendant.

Perma-Green Supreme, Inc. v. Dr. Permagreen, LLC et al. (ND 10/06/2023) – The plaintiff filed a stipulation to the selection of a mediator on March 1, 2024.

Secada Medical LLC d/b/a Ventris Medical, LLC v. Nexxt Spine, LLC (SD 11/01/2023) – No update this month. Dismissal papers are due by March 24, 2024.

Radic v. AllCity Adjusting LLC et al (ND 11/03/2023) –  The defendants were served on February 15, 2024, and their answer was due on March 7, 2024, which they did not file. The plaintiff filed a Motion for Clerks Entry of Default on March 11, 2024, and a Clerks Entry of Default was issued on March 12, 2024.

Tempur Sealy International, Inc. et al. v. Luxury Mattress & Furniture, LLC (ND 11/09/2023) –  The plaintiff was required to mail its prior filed motions to the defendant’s registered agent, which they completed on March 5, 2024.

Stross v. Homestead Properties, Inc. (SD 11/09/2023) – On February 22, 2024, the plaintiff filed its responses to two Motions to Dismiss filed last month, and the defendant filed its replies on February 29, 2024. The plaintiff tendered a Case Management Plan on March 8, 2024.

View this document on Scribd

View this document on Scribd

View this document on Scribd

View this document on Scribd

Guangzhou Shima Decoration Materials Co., Ltd v. Shenzhen Ruimingxiang Technology Co., Ltd. (SD 1/08/2024) – No update this month.

Nutramax Laboratories, Inc. et al v. CNB Retailers, LLC et al. (ND 2/08/2024) – The defendants filed an Answer on March 1, 2024, which was subsequently stricken from the record on March 12, 2024 for apparent inadequacies. The Court has afforded the defendants until May 10, 2024 to secure counsel or face sanctions. Uly S. Gunn has appeared pro hac vice on behalf of the plaintiff.

Baskin-Robbins Franchising LLC et al v. Blu Moo Ice Cream Inc. et al. (SD 2/14/2024) – Matthew J. Kramer has appeared pro hac vice on behalf of the plaintiff. The defendants were served on March 13, 2024.

Sadowski v. Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC d/b/a WISH-TV (SD 2/21/2024) – The defendant was served on March 1, 2024.

Valcrum, LLC v. Dexter Axle Company, LLC (SD 3/1/2024) – Angela Kelver Hall and Jason M. Rauch have appeared on behalf of the defendant.

February 2024 Updates – January 2024 Updates

December 2023 Updates – December 2022 Updates –  December 2021 Updates

WISH-TV sued over New York Garbage Truck Photograph

23 Friday Feb 2024

Posted by Kenan Farrell in Copyright, Indiana, Intellectual Property, Litigation, Southern District of Indiana

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Copyright Infringement, Photography, Removal or Alteration of Copyright Management Information

Photographers getting paid what they’re owed by news organizations has always been an issue. Just ask Peter Parker.

WISH-TV, an Indianapolis-based local television station, is accused of copying a photograph of a New York garbage truck and reposting it to WISH-TV’s website/social media. The original photograph had been included in a NY Post article via a paid license. In addition to editing the photograph to overlay pictures of three sanitation workers, WISH-TV also cropped out the photographer’s attribution (see Complaint below).

Unable to negotiate a license fee, the photographer is now suing WISH-TV for copyright infringement and removal of the attribution.

If you want a photograph of a random New York garbage truck, either: a) take the photo yourself, b) pay someone to take the photo for you, c) pay someone who has already taken such a photo to use their photo, or d) use AI to create the photo because who will really know, it’s just a random garbage truck. Do not: e) find a photo on Google Images, crop out the photographer’s logo, and post it on your website.

The “news reporting” fair use defense likely won’t work for WISH-TV, because WISH-TV’s article was not reporting about this specific garbage truck but rather just took a random garbage truck photograph and used it in a story about sanitation worker overtime hours. If WISH-TV had been reporting about this particular garbage truck, or even the photographer, they might be able to claim a fair use defense, although they would still need to explain why the photographer’s attribution was cropped.

Stay tuned for updates.

Sadowski v. Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC d/b/a WISH-TV

Court Case Number: 1:24-cv-00324-JRS-TAB
File Date: February 21, 2024
Plaintiff: Christopher Sadowski
Plaintiff Counsel: Michael A. Swift of Maginot, Moore & Beck LLP
Defendant: Circle City Broadcasting I, LLC d/b/a WISH-TV
Cause: Copyright Infringement, Removal or Alteration of Copyright Management Information
Court: Southern District of Indiana
Judge: James R. Sweeney II
Referred To: Tim A. Baker

Complaint:

View this document on Scribd
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